You're reading: Poroshenko, Duda says sanctions against Russia must be enhanced if pseudo-elections in Donbas are held

In the framework of the 70th session of the UN General Assembly, President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko has held a meeting with President of Poland Andrzej Duda to discuss the ongoing situation in Donbas.

“The parties discussed the situation in Donbas. The president of Poland emphasized the inadmissibility of ‘freezing’ the conflict. Poroshenko and Duda condemned [the holding of any] pseudo-elections in the occupied territories and agreed that military-technical assistance to Ukraine must be increased and sanctions against Russia must be enhanced should these elections take place,” reads a report which was posted on the president’s website on Tuesday.

Poroshenko said he greatly appreciates the consistent and firm support of Poland for the efforts of Ukraine aimed at restoring peace in Donbas.

In the course of the meeting, Duda said that Poland would remain a reliable ally of Ukraine in the protection of its sovereignty and territorial integrity and implementation of pro-European reforms.

The presidents exchanged their views on topical bilateral issues and the development of cooperation in Eastern Europe, particularly under the ‘Visegrad Group + Ukraine’ format.

Both leaders agreed to hold a meeting under this format, and Duda agreed to visit Ukraine this year.